The Irish standard., 1887-04-09
AUTHORITY OF THE. POPE.
Archbishop Elders Reply to a Correspond
eni of the Cincinnati CONNER
cial-Gazette.


eni of the Cincinnati CONNER
cial-Gazette.
THE PROMINENCE OF THE PAPACY
The Result Of the Letters Addressed by the
Pope to the Catholic Leaders in Ger
many on the septennate Bill.
The Commercial Gazette of last Mon
day, March 81, contains an article from
it's able contributor, S. r. r., on "The
Prominence of the Papacy." Will you
permit me to offer some remarks on the
same subject? 1t is not my purpose to
enter into an argument, but to let your
readers know what are the views Of
their Catholic fellow citizens, and the
teaching of the Church on some of the
points treated in the article. Catholics
understand that there is clear distinc-
tion between the Pope's teaching with
authority what's true or false on mat
ters of faith; what is right or wrong in
matters of morals, and the Pope's Civ
ing his advice as to what is most wise
or expedient in matters Of concern for
the peace of nations and the prosperity
of society.
The famous letters addressed by his
direction to the Catholic leaders in Ger
many, carefully observe this distinction.
They were not taught that it would be
sin for them to oppose the Septennate
bill. They were informed that the Sow.
ereign Pontiff had carefully considered
the circumstances, and that he was con-
vinced their supporting the bill would
conduce to the peace of Europe, and to
the interest both of their own religion
and of all society; and consequently, he
advises them to d. so. And we see that
they clearly understood the distinction.
A very large number became salts
fed that the Pope, in his position and
with his opportunities of knowing what
influences were at work in the various
countries of Europe, and with his lofty
elevation of views and perfect honesty
of purpose, was the most eligible guide
for them to follow, and they voted ac-
cording to his counsel. Yet not a few of
very prominent and very devoted Cath
olics remained convinced that their pre-
vious judgment of the bill was correct
and they voted against it or refused to
support it. These still continue to be
good and faithful Catholics; nor have
any censures or disquali6cations been
visited upon them.
AS to the propriety of the Pope's Civ
ing counsels in matters of political ad-
ministration, they see no reason why he
should not do so when the deep interests
of society are conc .rned. The readi-
ness of so many to follow his advice is
based on their experience of his wisdom
and sagacity. And this very case has
given remarkable confirmation of this
experience. If we look over the papers
of two months ago we see them filled
not only with rumors, but certain ex-
rectations of an imminent war, threat
ening to be the most general and the
most destructive of modern times. No
one saw any means of averting it. Now
the whole is changed, and all Europe
| is congratulating itself OH the prospects
of continued peace-until some new
trouble may arise.
The turning point was by general ac-
acknowledgement the successful passing
of the Septennate bill IN the German
Parliament. How that eventled to such
a result, various persons explain in
various ways. But by common agree
ment, that vote in the Parliament was
the occasion of the change. The papers
tell us that the French people them
selves rejolced in the event. 1t is
exactly this which has now given such
prominence to the Papacy, because men
have new evidence in this case of the
wisdom which guides the Holy See in
it's judgments of what is best for the in
terests of society.
The fact that his action IN favor of
peace has at the same time obtained a
relaxation of the persecution under
which the Catholics of Germany had
been ground during fourteen years, GER
tainly does not lessen the praise he de-
serves for practical wisdom nor his
claim to be regarded as safe guide
when he offers his guidance.
AS to the line which separates the
things of faith and morals and the things
of political government, 1 believe not
Catholics only. but all Christians and
people generally understand that some
political matters cannot be separated
from morals, for the simple reason that
political actions sUmetimes violate the
laws of morals.
The political Government of Utah
was not only denounced as violating
morals in sanctioning polygamy, but
the political Government of the United
States has taken political measures for
abolishing the immortality.
Catholics do not hold. and the Church